The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 6

Zachary's naive yet blunt words pierced my heart like a needle.

In his moment of illness and vulnerability, he was still thinking of the woman who had caused him to become sick.

I looked down at him.

He was clearly exhausted after his stomachache, as he had fallen asleep again after saying that.

Steven must have heard Zachary's words, too. He took my hand. "Honey."

I felt no inclination to respond. I instinctively wanted to pull away.

However, Steven tightened his grip, not allowing me to withdraw. "Today was just an accident. Mom acted without consulting us, and Zachary was sick. He didn't mean what he said."

"I can understand him," I replied, holding Zachary as I started to walk toward the exit. "He likes Jessica now. Of course, he's going to think she's wonderful."

After a pause, I continued, "Since I banned him from contacting her, his resistance will be strong at first. But Zachary isn't a bad kid. I'll guide him back to understanding who truly cares for him. "But I hope you can keep your word. I can overlook today's incident as a mistake, but I don't want there to be a next time."

As I spoke, I stopped.

Fearing I would tire myself, Steven took Zachary from my arms. "I promise that I'll do better, honey."

I looked at the sleeping child in Steven's arms and fell silent.

...

Steven parked the car when we arrived home. Seeing Zachary peacefully asleep, I didn't want to wake him up.

Just as I was about to carry him inside, Steven was already standing by the passenger door. His voice was soft as he said, "I'll do it."

Then, he effortlessly lifted Zachary with one hand while extending the other toward me.

I

streetlight illuminated him, casting a warm glow over his tall frame and handsome features, making him

his hand and stepping out

gently placed Zachary

room. Steven helped by

as I finished drying him off and dressed him in his pajamas. He would grunt occasionally, expressing his discomfort, but it didn't

towel into the basin and left the room with the basin in

I remained seated at the

out before I could even respond calmly. The only times we seemed

my arms around his neck and stared at his profile

elbow and closed Zachary's bedroom door. "Do you remember what we said before

happened before going to the hospital. But I remembered everything once we were

Steven. But then, I thought about how Jessica was already causing trouble for Zachary even before Steven and I had divorced. What would happen after the divorce? Would Zachary

our family fall apart for Zachary's

raced with these thoughts. I struggled to remember

really are a bit forgetful." Steven closed the bedroom door. He cradled my face

voice carried a tone of intimacy that heightened

chuckled softly. His tone was playful as

me, but I wasn't about to let him win. "Hmm... I still can't

Steven's eyes,

sheets. My cheeks, flushed from our kiss, glowed with a

...

day, compounded by exhaustion that night, weighed heavily

just been admitted to the hospital due to stomach issues. He

myself to rise early and prepare breakfast for

to make the oatmeal softer and more mushy. I started by boiling water on high heat, then switched to low to let it simmer. Glancing at the clock, I noted that it was still early-only a little past 5:00 am. I decided to head to the nearby vegetable

cleaned and chopped everything. I only started

two dishes-one was sautéed vegetables, and the